Boston Celtics Call Up Varnado From Skyforce

Coming into the 2012-2013 season, the Sioux Falls Skyforce had sent 42 players to the NBA.  Make it 43 players as Jarvis Varnado will sign with the Boston Celtics.

For the second consecutive season, the Celtics extract a big man from the Skyforce after Greg Stiemsma played a full season with Boston last year.  It is also marks the 21st season of 24 total that Sioux Falls has had a call-up from the NBA.

Varnado, a 6-foot-10 forward, averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game in 10 appearances for the Sioux Falls Skyforce this season. He was originally was drafted out of Mississippi State in the second round (41st overall) in 2010 by the Miami Heat. He spent time in Israel and Italy as Miami retained his rights during his overseas stint.  Varnado was in camp with Miami this fall, but was cut in the preseason and allocated to the Skyforce.  Reports had Varnado working out in Boston on Sunday with a first opportunity to suit up for the Celtics on Christmas Day in Brooklyn against the Nets.

The GATORADE call-up for Varnado is the 6th of the season for the NBA Development League.  This development is also a blow to rookie Fab Melo who was drafted by Boston in 2012.  The Celtics assigned the 7-foot Melo to the Maine Red Claws of the D-League.  Melo also recently set a league record for most blocked shots in a game Saturday against the Erie Bayhawks.